El Cubanito Restaurant — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

I was looking for a decent spot to snag some takeout to bring to a show at Rosa's Lounge yesterday night and this place had great reviews so figured I would give it a shot. I called in and it turned out they were only doing takeout so it worked out perfectly. This was my first visit so I asked the guy on the phone to give me some recommendations. He said that the Cuban and the Cubanito Steak Sandwich were the most popular but his favorite was the Tripleta so I took his word and ordered that with a double americano (shoulda brought a diaper). When I picked up my order, I checked the contents and there was another little bag in there. Turns out the guy just threw in a chicken empanada because he's the freakin' man so it definitely started things off on a great note. 10 minutes later, I'm at Rosa's diving into the first half of the Tripleta sandwich and I finished it like I was being timed. This sandwich was massive too. It took up the entire container it came in and was so packed that it was a little challenging to remove. The sandwich was also LOADED with ingredients and they did not skimp on the meat. Fantastic ratio. I housed the first half like a feral animal and decided to move on to the chicken empanada so I could try it while it was still fresh. This thing was also a monster and was super tasty! Great pocket dough to chicken ratio and the chicken was still super fresh/ moist. While the chicken empanada was great, the Tripleta sandwich really stole the thunder. I'm no pro food critic but, flavor wise alone, this was one of the best sandwiches I've had in the city. I couldn't even get to the second half that night so I ended up eating it cold the next day and it was still incredible! I think the sandwich was $9.75 and the coffee might have been $2.00 so the total came out to ~$12.50. That's probably the best $12.50 (not including tip) I've spent on a meal in years! Considering the size/ value of the sandwich, the generous helping of all ingredients, and the great rec/ great service - I cannot wait to go back. I did not give the atmosphere a rating because I only...

Alright, let me tell you about the food experience that changed my life. I ended up at El Cubanito because I couldn’t ignore all the recommendations people kept throwing at me. I mean, when the hype gets this loud, you know you have to check it out. And let me just say, thank goodness I did.

I got there after the dining room was already closed, but no worries—they’ve got a super convenient ordering window. I love little touches like that because they make it easy to grab food even if you’re running late (like I usually am). I wasn’t expecting much because, hey, this is Chicago, and we have no shortage of Cuban restaurants or places serving Cuban sandwiches. I figured it’d be good, but nothing mind-blowing. Spoiler alert: I was so wrong.

I started with the steak empanada, and oh my gosh. First of all, these things are massive. They don’t skimp on the filling here—it’s packed with fresh, perfectly seasoned steak. The crust was golden and crispy, and every bite was just pure happiness. It was honestly so good that I’m pretty sure I’ve become an empanada addict.

But the real star of the show? The Cubanito Steak Sandwich. Let me just say, my taste buds were not ready for the flavor explosion that happened. The steak was juicy, tender, and packed with bold, savory goodness. Then they take it up a notch with these little crispy fried chips inside the sandwich. I didn’t know that sandwiches could even do this to you. The textures, the flavors—it’s next-level amazing. I literally sat there wondering where this sandwich had been all my life.

If you’re reading this, stop whatever you’re doing and go to El Cubanito. I don’t care if you’re on the other side of the city—it’s worth the drive. Order the steak empanada and the Cubanito Steak Sandwich. Trust me, you’ll be texting me to thank me later.

Oh, and just to prove how good it is? I’ve been back six times since that first visit. SIX. I’m officially hooked, and honestly, I’m not even...

Ricky does not fail, the team works effectively with the orders and kitchen. Quality, consistently.

Opened Labor Day '22! They don't rest.

Opened the 4th of July '22, had to stop by.

High quality food and service. No exaggeration, the customer service here is an example for others to follow: respectful, attentive, quick, personable, welcoming... it adds to the flavor of the atmosphere with the smooth tropical sounds playing from the old school jukebox, the interior's design, and the unique front counter paying homage to the motherland (front end half/clip of a classic Cadillac reminiscent to those preserved back on the island).

Regularly visit, sometimes multiple in a week, for over a year, and have had no bad experiences yet, personally or through witnessing anyone else while in the establishment. I pick up my order worry free without having to verify contents before exit (plenty of napkins, just ask for the hot sauce). Place is always clean, and even though they keep busy, your accurate, warm, and fresh food is a phone call order away, with a realistic quote on prep time before it's ready for your pick up. plenty of space in their dining area for those who prefer (don't let the subtle exterior make you miss). Early open, late close (service window south of main entrance, towards small, side parking...